Eric Dane, Actor from Grey's Anatomy, Dies at 53 from ALS on February 19, 2026

Actor Eric Dane, famous for Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has passed away at age 53. This is a sad loss for many fans who followed his career.
By Newsroom | Entertainment, Health |

Details of Diagnosis and Public Advocacy

Eric Dane's diagnosis with ALS was publicly shared in April 2025. He openly discussed the progression of the disease, noting significant loss of voluntary function. In a June 2025 interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer, Dane described the physical challenges, stating, "My left side is functioning; my right side has completely stopped working." He also expressed concerns about losing function in his left hand within a few months.

Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane dies at 53 after ALS diagnosis - 1

Following his diagnosis, Dane became an active advocate for ALS awareness. He participated in a news conference in Washington D.C. to discuss health insurance prior authorization. In recognition of his efforts, the ALS Network named him Advocate of the Year in September 2025. Dane stated his desire to share his journey to help others, feeling his life was no longer solely about himself. He also expressed hope for the future and advocated for legislation supporting research into neurodegenerative diseases.

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Career Highlights

Dane's breakout role was as Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed "McSteamy," in the ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy." He played this character for eight seasons, starting in 2006. The show's narrative even incorporated his character's impact by renaming Seattle Grace Hospital to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital after his character's departure.

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Beyond "Grey's Anatomy," Dane had a substantial acting career spanning several decades. His credits include roles in television series such as "Charmed" and, more recently, "Euphoria," where he portrayed Cal Jacobs, the father of Nate Jacobs. He also appeared in films, including "X-Men: The Last Stand" (2006) and "Burlesque" (2010). Notably, his Prime Video series "Countdown," filmed after his diagnosis, was among his later works.

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The Nature of ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive nervous system disease that impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of muscle control. This disease gradually deteriorates the nerve cells and connections essential for bodily functions like walking, talking, speaking, and breathing. Approximately 30,000 individuals in the United States are affected by ALS at any given time, according to the ALS Association.

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Confirmation of Death

Representatives for Eric Dane confirmed his death due to ALS. His family released a statement to various media outlets, including TODAY.com and Us Weekly, confirming the news. His passing occurred on February 19, 2026.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did actor Eric Dane die and what was the cause?
Actor Eric Dane died on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53. The cause of his death was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Q: How long did Eric Dane battle ALS before his death?
Eric Dane's diagnosis with ALS was made public in April 2025, meaning he battled the disease for less than a year before his passing on February 19, 2026.
Q: What were Eric Dane's most famous roles?
Eric Dane was widely known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed 'McSteamy,' in the ABC series 'Grey's Anatomy' for eight seasons. He also played Cal Jacobs in the recent series 'Euphoria.'
Q: Did Eric Dane do anything to help others with ALS?
Yes, after his diagnosis, Eric Dane became a strong advocate for ALS awareness. He spoke at a news conference about health insurance and was named Advocate of the Year by the ALS Network in September 2025.
Q: What is ALS?
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing a loss of muscle control. It can make it hard to walk, talk, and breathe.
Q: When was Eric Dane's show 'Countdown' filmed?
Eric Dane's Prime Video series 'Countdown' was filmed after he was diagnosed with ALS, making it one of his later works.